Log barriers
Simple, stout barriers constructed from thick, straight logs placed on two short, upright posts of similar dimensions and set fairly deeply into the ground are quite effective. Varying the length …
Earth mounds
These can be constructed from spare excavated material. They need to be steeply graded on the side facing the parking spaces, and should be graded into the landform on the …
Construction
The car park construction will normally include a certain amount of excavation, which should be done in stages. For example, turf should be stripped and stored, followed by topsoil removal …
Expected degree of use
In remote, lightly used locations the lower wear and tear expected will favour unsealed surfaces; the converse will apply at popular, heavily used areas. This also applies at short - …
Distance from sources of material
Stone, tarmac and asphalt are expensive to transport over long distances. When budgets for recreation provision are limited it makes sense to use locally won materials where these are cheaper …
Appearance
Natural materials, especially those from the site or nearby, can reduce impact and blend into the landscape. Used for unsealed surfaces they also present a coarser texture than sealed surfaces …
Parking for visitors with disabilities
The layout of the parking area, bay markings and location of facilities should take account of the needs of visitors with disabilities. Usually a number of bays should be reserved …
Parking design
Once the planning aspects relating to site layout, vehicular circulation and management of the expected vehicle types have been dealt with, then the car park designer will fit the layout …
Linear car park
Linear car parks are often better suited for restricted terrain, for example along a river bank terrace, on a ridge top or along a lake shore. A two-way access road …
Loop layout
This is usually a one-way system, but may be two-way if need be. The simplest layout consists of a loop road along which are spaced bays capable of holding between …
Types of layout
The type of layout will also depend on the space, the terrain limitations and the budget available. Generally the layout should respond to the terrain and the shape of the …
How many spaces?
The first design consideration concerns the number of spaces and the types of vehicle required to be accommodated, as this may dictate to a large extent the type of layout …
. Parking the car
Having arrived at the destination, the visitor needs to park the car. The design of car parking has to take several factors into account. - Cars may be left on …
Metal
Galvanized tubing, enamelled or plastic coated structures can be used. The galvanized option will weather to a dull grey matt finish, which fits into rocky landscapes. Enamelled or plastic finishes …
Wood
This is frequently the most common material, used either in the round or as sawn components. Round timber should be straight, cylindrical, of low taper and debarked. Large dimensions work …
Stone
A substantial and robust structure can be erected using locally occurring stone such as boulders or quarried rock. A low wall upon which the signboard is fixed, or a plinth, …
Sign structures
Early information boards erected by the US National Park Service or Forest Service have provided models that have been frequently copied elsewhere. They were substantial structures with a heavy framework …
Laminated paper
Printed paper can be encapsulated in a hard-wearing resin to produce a durable and high - quality result. The printing can include photographs, and if an ultraviolet filter is inserted …
Composite wood panels
Plywood is the usual type of composite wood panel that is used. Marine-quality ply is durable, less prone to warping than ordinary plywood, and does not shrink or split. It …
The medium
To convey the message, a medium is required. There are two main possibilities: leaflets or signboards. Leaflets are an important alternative or supplement to fixed signs. They can be reprinted …
The message
There are some basic features of any message: it should be short, to the point, and should use as many symbols, pictures, maps and diagrams as possible instead of words. …
Providing visitor information
At the point of arrival, some information is normally needed so that visitors can make the most of opportunities to enjoy their visit. This may be in the form of …
The arrival
The culmination of the journey—the arrival at the main destination—is now at hand. After all the careful development of the landscape and provision of information along the way, the first …
The wind-down
After having driven, often for long distances and perhaps in heavy traffic and stressful conditions, it takes a little time to adjust to the ambience of the outdoors. The adjustment …
The entrance
The point where the visitor turns off the public highway, or emerges from a coach, railway station or other form of transport, into the specific area where the visit takes …
Threshold signs
If the opportunity to manage the landscape begins at this threshold, or if influence can be exerted, then it may be a good idea to identify this in an appropriate …
On the road
The next stage of the visit is travelling to the destination. Most people travel to the outdoors by car. In many places the distances involved and the lack of alternative …
Anticipation
As briefly explained in Chapter 2, the visit starts with planning and the anticipation of what enjoyment might be gained from the visit in prospect. Managers and designers can influence …
The journey to the destination
In the last chapter, several key concepts to be applied to the design of recreation sites, facilities and artefacts were considered. The need to reflect the character of the setting, …
The design of the visit
So far in this chapter the issue of design concepts most appropriate to the landscape setting has been considered, and how this contributes to the experience a visitor might expect. …
A design philosophy for the outdoors
Arguably, it is therefore important to maintain and reflect the character of the landscapes in the design of facilities and artefacts, while providing many functions that are the same as …
Contrasts between city and wilderness
One of the major reasons why people go to the wilder, more natural areas is to escape from the daily life of the city. As societies become more urbanized, and …
Design concepts for outdoor recreation
In the last chapter, some of the trends in recreation demands and the expectations that people have when they visit the outdoors were examined. How to realize the opportunities that …
Shared benefits
There should be an equitable distribution of the costs and benefits (material and nonmaterial) of any development. We are all ‘land users’ in our own ways. Access to the countryside …
Environmental quality
The quality of the natural heritage as a whole should be maintained and improved. Recreation is becoming a major user of land. As outdoor recreation continues to develop, its effects …
